We were lucky to catch up with Kelley Chaplin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Finding Serenity

My first encounter with serenity and horses was when I was being certified several years ago. As I was going through the process one of my coaches mentioned that there was a study done with horses. The study concluded that when horses are in their herd, and the world is perfect, their energy level is measured at serenity. I found this information fascinating. As I continued to work with rescued horses and people healing together I witnesses this serenity that horses brought to my clients, time and time again. I realized how significant this was to the healing of both the rescued horses and people that I was working with. When I started my program this image continued to grow in both my mind and heart. My goal for both clients and the horses I work with is for them to find serenity in whatever has happened in their lives that has brought them this place for healing and growth.

Kelley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

What is Equine Assisted Coaching (EAC) EAC is one of many different types of equine-assisted work that help individuals work through circumstances that are hindering their growth. EAC allows individuals to take steps forward in these areas quicker than traditional methods. Horses do not judge individuals, and they have no agenda. They are large, powerful animals, but they are also prey animals, and trust with a horse must be earned; they are honest, mirror our body language and act accordingly. After each session with the horses, individuals are encouraged to transfer the lessons they’ve learned from the horses to their personal and professional lives.

EAC supports individuals in areas such as grief, relationships, boundaries, parenting skills, communication and trauma. It also is effective for corporations and may include team building, leadership development, and business growth.

Why Horses
*A relationship with horses requires authenticity. In absence of authenticity, there is only frustration. Frustration leads to exploration and willingness to look a alternative methods of engagement
*Relationships with horses require your entire presence.
*The power and size of a horse acts as an equalizer and forces equal ground approach to a relationship
*Horses will forgive legitimate mistakes
*Relationships with horses require mutual trust and respect
*Relationships with horses permit a safe place to practice and build skills by which human relationships can also be built and sustained

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

There are many aspects that come into play form managing an team and maintaining high morale. I have been to many conferences, seminars and trainings that have provided support in my growth in this area. Although, they have supported me the best advice I can give you is lessons that I have learned from my horse herd. They continue to support my growth and share with me areas that I need to grow in to accomplish this goal. Simply put horses require their leader to be a “worthy leader”. I practice this is all areas of my life. Especially when working with my herd members- Coaches and Therapist. What are the characteristics of a worthy leader in the eyes of a horse…..

*Leads with Calm Confidence
*Has the best interest of all the herd members
*Gives opportunities for each herd member to become and worthy leader and
share their strengths with the rest of the herd
*Provides physical, emotional and mental safety

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I can not imagine any other journey. My profession is the part of what I call my life quilt that has been a significant part of my growth of who I am today. My quilt has beautiful squares, squares that a messy with mistakes, some of the colors and squares match and others look like they don’t even belong in the same quilt. But when put together in one quilt it all comes together to show who I am professionally and personally. It shows my mistakes, my strengths, my experiences, my learnings, and my heart. I am so blessed that I am able to do the work that I am passionate about and truly believe I was put on this earth to do. Follow your passion and design your OWN beautiful and personal quilt.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.equineassistedcoachingoc.com
• Instagram: equineassistedcoachingoc
• Facebook: Equine Assisted Coaching OC
• Linkedin: Kelley Chaplin
• Twitter: @chaplin_kelley